Please note that for 2021, only a virtual weekend will be held. The cost is $150 and the deadline for registration is April 6th! Please see our schedule and registration pages for more information.

What is an Engaged Encounter Weekend? What Is the Schedule of Weekends This Year?
What Will We Talk About? Do I Have to Be Catholic to Attend?
What Is the Cost? What Do We Do If We Have to Cancel?
How Do We Register? Who Can We Contact for More Information?
What Happens? When and Where Is the Encounter Weekend Held?
What are Engaged Encounter Weekly Sessions? When and Where Are the Encounter Weekly Sessions Held?
What Should we Bring?

 

What is an Engaged Encounter Weekend?

Engaged Encounter is one of the approved marriage preparation programs available to people being married in the Catholic Church. It is an intensive time of work starting on Friday evening, continuing all day Saturday, and ending in the early afternoon of Sunday. During this time, you (each couple) have the chance to question, to examine, and to deepen their relationship with each other and with God. The weekend experience challenges you (every couple) to explore your relationship in deeper, more honest ways than which you probably have ever experienced.

Engaged Encounter is an investment in your future. It is a weekend experience where you, as a couple, can concentrate exclusively on one another, free of the pressures of daily life and the expectations of friends, relatives, and business associates. We want to help you make your marriage wonderful and permanent!! Engaged Encounter provides an atmosphere where you, as a couple, can privately share, even though 10 to 25 couples may be on the weekend. The weekend is not a recreational retreat. It is unlike any previous experience that you may have had individually or together. The weekend utilizes a process based on listening, writing, and dialoguing with each other-it provides you the opportunity to address your future and your commitment to each other, to build on your foundation for life together.

What are Engaged Encounter Weekly Sessions?

Engaged Encounter Weekly sessions are a weekly version of the weekend experience that is available for couples whose schedules prevent them from attending an Engaged Encounter Weekend. Attendance at all 6 sessions is mandatory for satisfactory completion of the program.

What Happens on a Weekend?

Personal reflection and discussion as a couple are the main focus of the weekend. You will be encouraged to talk in terms of planning your marriage, rather than wedding, because we truly believe:

"A wedding is a day, a marriage is a lifetime."

A series of talks are presented, usually by two married couples and a priest, during the weekend. After each talk, the couple separate to write alone on a question concerning the talk. Then the couple meet privately to share each others writing, to discuss what each other has written, and to explore their feelings and reactions. Reflecting our Catholic values, separate dormitory facilities are set up for men and women. We are also sensitive to values and expectations of other cultures.

What Will We Talk About?

A few of the subjects you will discuss together include:

Come with an open mind. We are sure your marriage will benefit. Sure it takes work, and, of course, we all make mistakes. Yet we can provide you with techniques for better communication, productive ways to argue, and more. You will learn how to make your upcoming marriage, which we deeply care about, more unified and joyful.

Do I Have to Be Catholic to Attend?

No, persons of any faith are welcome. As a matter of fact, on every weekend we have several people who are not Catholic. We are sensitive to the fact that you may have other beliefs. On the other hand, we do not ignore our beliefs, either. Two Catholic couples and a Catholic priest, sister, or deacon present the weekend and discuss Catholic doctrines, such as the Sacraments. Mass is part of the weekend experience, and we make every effort to make all welcome and feel welcome.

 

When and Where Is the Encounter Weekend Held?

Weekends for Central Washington Engaged Encounter are held at the Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center in Ellensburg, WA. Directions and further information will be sent to you when you register. The Encounter begins promptly at 7:30 PM Friday night-so plan to arrive by 7:00 PM, if at all possible. Weekends end by 3:00 PM on Sunday afternoon.

 

When and Where Is the Encounter Weekly Sessions Held?

Weekly Sessions for Central Washington Catholic Engaged Encounter are held at the Holy Spirit Parish Center in Kennewick, WA Directions and further information will be sent to you when you register.

What Is the Cost?

The cost of the weekend or weekly sessions are $315.00. This includes all supplies, your housing, and meals. Please make checks or money orders for the weekend payable to Catholic Engaged Encounter

How Do We Register?

Visit our registration page or  
For further information, phone or email.
Phone: (509) 575-4931
Email: napa11gk@q.com 

Who Can We Contact for More Information?


For further information about Encounter Weekends, please call or email Paul or Pegi Ackerman.
Phone: (509) 575-4931
Email: napa11gk@q.com 


For further information about Encounter Weekly Sessions, please call or email Deacon Dor or Rose Collado.
Phone: (509) 375-0566
Email: dmcollado@hotmail.com 

What Do We Do If We Have to Cancel?

Visit our registration page for cancellation information.

What Is the Schedule of Weekends and Weekly Sessions This Year?

See our schedule.

What Should we Bring?

All your bedding and towels, notebooks, and pens will be provided-you may bring a sleeping bag and favorite pillow, if you wish. Please leave your cell phones, electronic games, or portable TVs at home. You will not have time for them.

Bring:

Good marriages require work-they do not just happen!

Good marriages must be developed, deepened, and enriched.